Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, says the interests of rural and regional Australia will remain front and centre as returning Chair of the Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation, Science and Resources.

“I’m honoured to again lead the important work of this parliamentary committee including the most recent inquiry, Keep it in the regions: Mining and resources industry support for businesses in regional economies, which tabled 21 recommendations to Government,” Mr Joyce said.

“We were able to show how we can get further decentralisation into places like Tamworth, Gunnedah and Muswellbrook - local economies which are strongly supported by the mining sector – by retaining the private and public dividends in those communities where the resources are extracted. 

“There is real wealth in regional areas but there needs to be a greater attachment to that wealth to get people living, working and raising their families here.”

The bipartisan inquiry conducted 12 public hearings across five states and territories, gathering feedback in relation to the inquiry’s terms of reference which considered among other issues the appropriateness of the payment terms offered to businesses by the mining sector as well as best practices between the mining sector and businesses, especially in regards to how they can support regional communities and economies.

Mr Joyce has also been appointed as a member of the Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training.

Parliamentary committees play an important role in informing national debate, allowing organisations and individuals to participate in the policy-making process and to have their views placed on the public record as part of the Government’s determination.

(ENDS)